Family Expedition starting June 17'. NEED HELP! Newbie dad
Family Expedition said
08:01 AM Oct 13, 2016
Helo to all from Naples, Fl. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your forum.
Where to start?? My name is Dan and I live with an incredible family of four. Wife is a teacher. Children are 9 and 7. One boy and one girl. We are an outdoors family for sure. Boating, camping and hiking are what we love. Recently took our first trip out west. Way out west. Alberta Canada. WOW! Prior to this trip we had never been west of Alabama. Our eyes have been opened much wider now.
My wife and I have each become more unsatisfied with our family path. Sure we do all the things that we are SUPPOSE to do. Sports for the kids. Music enrichment and more. But something is still missing. The world is in turmoil. We find that other parents are not very good parents. Therefore we find it hard to find good kids for them to spend time with. We just want some more and different. We are excited and scared to consider a change. We realize that time with our kids at home is so short. We are willing to take a calculated chance and show our children America and beyond.
We have discussed before the idea of spending time on the road. Life got in the way and we never pursued it. Here we are again. More momentum this time. Being that my wife is a teacher in Fl. she has the option to consider becoming a virtual teacher. Teach from anywhere in the world. She would remain in the Fl school system. Similar benefits. Our children would be enrolled in the virtual school system as well. They can return to a brick and mortar class at anytime. Facts are that virtual students test higher than classroom children. Understanding that the social aspect is much different. Good or bad it will be something to consider. We also own a small business and would consider either selling or taking on a managing partner.
Here are our preliminary plans. We would look to purchase a rig and be ready to hit the road early June 2017. From Florida we wold take as much time as needed to see the country on our way to Alberta Ca. After spending some time there we would take a northern route to Cape Cod to visit family. Eventually making our way back to Fl. At this time we would regroup at our home. Check on the business and house. Plan for the next step. Much depends on my wife obtaining the virtual job. More teachers are applying. No guarantees. If she is unable to secure the job then she would head back to the classroom in Sept. As well as our children. We would plan to take numerous trips from Fl on weekends and holidays. If she secures the virtual position then we are then free to roam! We should know this by early 2017.
The rig. We, which means I, have looked at so many different types of rigs. As you know each has its advantages and disadvantages. As a family our needs are different than just a couple. We have been told to make sure to have separate beds for the kids. Bunks maybe. I have looked at Class A for size benefits. And Class C for cost and ease of operation. In my head I only want a diesel. We plan to see MUCH of the mountains in the USA and Canada. I want the power and longevity of the diesel power plant. We want the children and wife to be able to move about the RV while in route. If wife and children are all virtually in school then they will need to access computers and such. Also the ease of making meals on the go and such is a plus. At least this is how we see it from a newbie perspective. One of my concerns is the limitations of something like a Class A with access to some parks. I have read this can be an issue. Sure the room of a Class A would be nice but do we really need this? Then again a smaller class C might get real small real quick as we spend more time on the road. I have researched buying a diesel Class A pusher and towing a small vehicle to have for grocery getting and just moving around after we have set up camp. Really looking forward to 7MPG. HaHa
So many considerations. Surely others have tried and learned. We hope to make friends in this forum and beyond as we look to take on this adventure. We need advise, direction and honesty. We want to document our trials and tribulations to help inspire other families to do the same. ANY words from you guys in this forum would be much appreciated. Is towing a vehicle insane? Is diesel what I should be considering? Is a Class A just a big pain? Is a Class C or one of those Mercedes diesels a good option? Let me have it!
Thank you in advance for any and everything.
Dan and family
Naples, Fl.
Honeydeaux said
05:39 PM Oct 13, 2016
Welcome Dan and family,
First I want to say best wishes on your journey. We have been full timing since March 2015. We have a 45 ft DP and tow an crew cab Chevy truck and this setup really works for us. It just the 2 of us so we have plenty room for the things we choose to carry. I must tell you we spent over a year deciding what rig we would full time in and I feel that effort has paid off for us. Choosing your rig is specific to the user as everyone is different. Take your time and look through every rig you can. Hang out in it like you were living in it. Where will the trash can go? Kids cloths? And so on. Will you be dry camping our stay is camp grounds with full hookup? Or maybe a bit both? Look for a 4 seasons rig that's built to use full time. There are many rigs out there that are not built for full time use.
As for a tow vehicle look for something that can be flat towed. Be aware of the weight of the tow and that it does not exceed the tow ratings of the rig.
Again welcome to the forum.
soos said
06:43 AM Oct 15, 2016
You have a lot to think about.
Off the top of my head, here are a couple of considerations that come to mind.
Internet- if your wife is going to be a virtual teacher, will she need consistent internet? This will be hard to come by in Canada. US data from cell phone carriers either doesn't work or is EXTREMELY expensive. You will need an alternative. Also, Canada has lots of wide open spaces, where there is NO access to internet/ cell reception.
Also, you are concerned about size, and fitting in to some parks. Two things, even with a large rig, you will fit into *most* parks. Usually if you can't fit, its in an area that is very "natural" and as such may not have...... internet/cell reception.
I would not worry too much about size. Its not for a weekend where you can 'make do". The success of the venture may in some part depend on the comfort all involved and the ability to have some separation.
Lastly- motorhome. It is not crazy to tow something, in fact, for the same reason as above, it will alleviate much frustration if you have a smaller, touring vehicle. Set yourself up for success.
Have you considered a 5th wheel? There are many bunkhouse versions, and you will have the truck as a daily driver. 5th wheels tend to have a homier feel than motorhomes (IMO) and bette separation of space.
Your idea of being able to make meals "on the go" is a little scary. Do you mean, as you are driving down the highway? Not a good idea- picture people walking around in a vehicle that is traveling 60 mph. Not steady and not safe, especially for kids.
We pull into rest areas for lunch and are always happy to get out of the rig and stretch our legs while we walk to the trailer. I am sure the kids will appreciate that too.
I do agree that you should look at, and sit in, as many rigs a possible. Not a quick peek, sit for a while and start imagining how it would work for you.
Have fun!
Terry and Jo said
06:32 PM Oct 18, 2016
Let me follow up on Sue's comment with a very important safety notice:
Having people up and moving around in a moving RV is asking for injuries. Should the driver have to suddenly hit the brakes because of traffic, anyone standing in the RV (or even being seated with seat belts) is going to become a projectile, perhaps even going through the windshield.
If meals or even bathroom trips are needed, I strongly suggest pulling into a safe place away from traffic and stopping.
Helo to all from Naples, Fl. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your forum.
Where to start?? My name is Dan and I live with an incredible family of four. Wife is a teacher. Children are 9 and 7. One boy and one girl. We are an outdoors family for sure. Boating, camping and hiking are what we love. Recently took our first trip out west. Way out west. Alberta Canada. WOW! Prior to this trip we had never been west of Alabama. Our eyes have been opened much wider now.
My wife and I have each become more unsatisfied with our family path. Sure we do all the things that we are SUPPOSE to do. Sports for the kids. Music enrichment and more. But something is still missing. The world is in turmoil. We find that other parents are not very good parents. Therefore we find it hard to find good kids for them to spend time with. We just want some more and different. We are excited and scared to consider a change. We realize that time with our kids at home is so short. We are willing to take a calculated chance and show our children America and beyond.
We have discussed before the idea of spending time on the road. Life got in the way and we never pursued it. Here we are again. More momentum this time. Being that my wife is a teacher in Fl. she has the option to consider becoming a virtual teacher. Teach from anywhere in the world. She would remain in the Fl school system. Similar benefits. Our children would be enrolled in the virtual school system as well. They can return to a brick and mortar class at anytime. Facts are that virtual students test higher than classroom children. Understanding that the social aspect is much different. Good or bad it will be something to consider. We also own a small business and would consider either selling or taking on a managing partner.
Here are our preliminary plans. We would look to purchase a rig and be ready to hit the road early June 2017. From Florida we wold take as much time as needed to see the country on our way to Alberta Ca. After spending some time there we would take a northern route to Cape Cod to visit family. Eventually making our way back to Fl. At this time we would regroup at our home. Check on the business and house. Plan for the next step. Much depends on my wife obtaining the virtual job. More teachers are applying. No guarantees. If she is unable to secure the job then she would head back to the classroom in Sept. As well as our children. We would plan to take numerous trips from Fl on weekends and holidays. If she secures the virtual position then we are then free to roam! We should know this by early 2017.
The rig. We, which means I, have looked at so many different types of rigs. As you know each has its advantages and disadvantages. As a family our needs are different than just a couple. We have been told to make sure to have separate beds for the kids. Bunks maybe. I have looked at Class A for size benefits. And Class C for cost and ease of operation. In my head I only want a diesel. We plan to see MUCH of the mountains in the USA and Canada. I want the power and longevity of the diesel power plant. We want the children and wife to be able to move about the RV while in route. If wife and children are all virtually in school then they will need to access computers and such. Also the ease of making meals on the go and such is a plus. At least this is how we see it from a newbie perspective. One of my concerns is the limitations of something like a Class A with access to some parks. I have read this can be an issue. Sure the room of a Class A would be nice but do we really need this? Then again a smaller class C might get real small real quick as we spend more time on the road. I have researched buying a diesel Class A pusher and towing a small vehicle to have for grocery getting and just moving around after we have set up camp. Really looking forward to 7MPG. HaHa
So many considerations. Surely others have tried and learned. We hope to make friends in this forum and beyond as we look to take on this adventure. We need advise, direction and honesty. We want to document our trials and tribulations to help inspire other families to do the same. ANY words from you guys in this forum would be much appreciated. Is towing a vehicle insane? Is diesel what I should be considering? Is a Class A just a big pain? Is a Class C or one of those Mercedes diesels a good option? Let me have it!
Thank you in advance for any and everything.
Dan and family
Naples, Fl.
First I want to say best wishes on your journey. We have been full timing since March 2015. We have a 45 ft DP and tow an crew cab Chevy truck and this setup really works for us. It just the 2 of us so we have plenty room for the things we choose to carry. I must tell you we spent over a year deciding what rig we would full time in and I feel that effort has paid off for us. Choosing your rig is specific to the user as everyone is different. Take your time and look through every rig you can. Hang out in it like you were living in it. Where will the trash can go? Kids cloths? And so on. Will you be dry camping our stay is camp grounds with full hookup? Or maybe a bit both? Look for a 4 seasons rig that's built to use full time. There are many rigs out there that are not built for full time use.
As for a tow vehicle look for something that can be flat towed. Be aware of the weight of the tow and that it does not exceed the tow ratings of the rig.
Again welcome to the forum.
Off the top of my head, here are a couple of considerations that come to mind.
Internet- if your wife is going to be a virtual teacher, will she need consistent internet? This will be hard to come by in Canada. US data from cell phone carriers either doesn't work or is EXTREMELY expensive. You will need an alternative. Also, Canada has lots of wide open spaces, where there is NO access to internet/ cell reception.
Also, you are concerned about size, and fitting in to some parks. Two things, even with a large rig, you will fit into *most* parks. Usually if you can't fit, its in an area that is very "natural" and as such may not have...... internet/cell reception.
I would not worry too much about size. Its not for a weekend where you can 'make do". The success of the venture may in some part depend on the comfort all involved and the ability to have some separation.
Lastly- motorhome. It is not crazy to tow something, in fact, for the same reason as above, it will alleviate much frustration if you have a smaller, touring vehicle. Set yourself up for success.
Have you considered a 5th wheel? There are many bunkhouse versions, and you will have the truck as a daily driver. 5th wheels tend to have a homier feel than motorhomes (IMO) and bette separation of space.
Your idea of being able to make meals "on the go" is a little scary. Do you mean, as you are driving down the highway? Not a good idea- picture people walking around in a vehicle that is traveling 60 mph. Not steady and not safe, especially for kids.
We pull into rest areas for lunch and are always happy to get out of the rig and stretch our legs while we walk to the trailer. I am sure the kids will appreciate that too.
I do agree that you should look at, and sit in, as many rigs a possible. Not a quick peek, sit for a while and start imagining how it would work for you.
Have fun!
Let me follow up on Sue's comment with a very important safety notice:
Having people up and moving around in a moving RV is asking for injuries. Should the driver have to suddenly hit the brakes because of traffic, anyone standing in the RV (or even being seated with seat belts) is going to become a projectile, perhaps even going through the windshield.
If meals or even bathroom trips are needed, I strongly suggest pulling into a safe place away from traffic and stopping.
Terry